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This Summer’s Transfer Targets

1st June 2015

The season’s over and the summer’s upon us. It’s time to get the BBQ’s out and the signings in. Most clubs are going to be looking for recruitments before the 2015/16 season kicks off, aren’t they? So let’s cut straight to the chase and run through who the top five big boys are sniffing around…

Chelsea

Jose Mourinho likes to keep his squads lean and hungry. And he doesn’t change what isn’t broken. So don’t be surprised to see comings and goings kept to a minimum there this summer. Especially after the stellar domestic season they’ve had. But to crack Europe, they’re going to need to recruit one or two top stars. Another classy centre back is needed to line up alongside either the ever-dependable Gary Cahill, the ageing John Terry or the burgeoning Kurt Zouma. Real’s Raphael Varane is the top target for the Blues. Another striker’s needed too. Christian Benteke would be an ideal replacement for the departing Drogba.

Also linked: QPR’s Rob Green to deputise for Courtois in the League Cup, West Ham’s breakout star Aaron Cresswell’s mentioned and Atletico’s Koke might jump on a plane to join his former teammate Felipe Luis on the Stamford Bridge bench.

Manchester City

Although Yaya’s seemingly going nowhere now (though that could well change), Juve’s midfield behemoth Paul Pogba continues to be Pellegrini’s dream man. The powerful Frenchman wouldn’t look out of place in any top team’s line-up though, so the City boss will have a Helluva fight on his hands to get him to the Etihad. Ask any City fan though and it’s at the back that they need help. Vincent Kompany’s dodgy season, along with no top drawer centre back to cover his off days have seen to that. Could Everton’s England international John Stones solve their problem? It’d certainly up their Englishman quota…

Also linked: Kevin De Bruyne’s hair might look as though it’s on fire, but his form at Chelsea certainly wasn’t. His World Cup form and a decent season for Wolfsburg have put him back in the frame for some top clubs. And City are keen. Maybe he can oust the woeful Jesus Navas (who admittedly, does have very nice eyes).

Arsenal

A surprise run of dominance midway through the season and a second FA Cup triumph in a row capped a slightly above average season for Arsene Wenger’s men. But, as ever, theirs is a squad which could use additions. At the back, David Ospina’s maiden season was a partial success but with Wojciech Szcsesny seemingly keen to find first first-team football elsewhere, the Gunners are going to need reinforcements between the sticks. Galatasaray’s Muslera, at £15m, could be their man. Unless they can prise Petr Cech from Mourinho’s grip. Which they won’t.

Up front, another fine season for Olivier Giroud still hasn’t quelled talk of another forward heading to North London. Jackson Martinez won’t come cheap and nor will Barcelona’s forgotten man Pedro, but both are capable of holding their own in the Premier League.

Also linked: Swansea City’s classy Korean midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng, the scary-looking Arturo Vidal, right back Martin Montoya and new contract-shirkers James Milner and Raheem Sterling.

Manchester United

Louis van Gaal went a little spend crazy when he first pitched up to fill David Moyes’ presumably rather sweaty shoes. But after huge amounts spent brought no trophies and a disappointing fourth place finish, more business needs to be done this summer. Ilkay Gundogan looks to be heading in from Borussia Dortmund. Also likely in is striker Carlos Bacca, fresh from his Europa Cup win with Sevilla. The Columbian should cost around the £21m mark. Another sharpshooter linked with a move to Old Trafford is Burnley’s tattoo king Danny Ings. They’ll have to gazump Liverpool on that front, though. Oh, and Hugo Lloris coming be heading to the north west should David De Gea make his much-touted move to Madrid.

Also linked: Well, it wouldn’t be summer without a load of (groundless) gossip about Ronaldo and Bale heading to Man U, would it…? A much more likely signing is Villa’s Dutch stopper Ron Vlaar, though. Not as glamorous, but a useful addition (and a probable starter).

Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers’ dismal end to the season will see plenty of rumours about a managerial signing as well as the inevitable nine hundred names mentioned as additions to the paying roster. Will Jurgen Klopp swoop in to relieve the Northern Irishman of his position? We don’t think so. We think Rodgers will get another season and look to bring in the likes of Southampton and England right back Nathaniel Clyne to replace Glen Johnson and Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan. And don’t forget, Reds fans, Divock Origi’s heading over soon. Fresh from being named in Ligue 1’s ‘Worst XI Of The Season’…

Also linked: Manchester City and England’s utility superstar James Milner (deal just agreed), Fiorentina ‘keeper Neto, Lyon’s man of the season Alexandre Lacazette, Saido Berahino and Charlie Austin.